Putnam Board Opposes Voucher Bill

Putnam County School Board passed a resolution Saturday opposing the state’s proposed voucher bill.

With a special legislative session set to begin Monday on the topic, the board called a special meeting Saturday. Dr. Dawn Fry made the motion. The board approved the resolution unanimously.

The resolution said school choice already exists using transfers, charter schools, virtual schools, home schooling and private schools. The resolution said the act would create a program that diverts public funds to private institutions. The board also opposed the Education Freedom Act because private schools would not be held accountable in the same way as public schools.

The act would also not insure equitable access to all students, including those with limited income or disabilities.

The resolution urged the legislature to prioritize public education in Tennessee.

School Board Member Kim Cravens urged residents to call legislative members to share their feelings on the board. School Board Chair Lynn McHenry said the resolution showed numerous reasons exist not to move forward with the vouchers.